Wannabe traffic wardens are being invited to get their applications in early if they want to be considered for this year's North Yorkshire's Got Talented Traffic Wardens competition. Following the success of the recent Bake Off contest to find a new dinner lady, North Yorkshire County Council has once more adopted a talent show format for its latest recruitment drive to fill three part time traffic warden posts in the region.

"We think that this is by far the most rigorous way of finding suitable people for the job," said human resources director, Julian Cyborg. "I often think that traditional interviewing and selection methods don't really give applicants a chance to shine. This way we can really see what our candidates are made of."

The contest will begin with a blind audition presided over by a panel of local celebrities, giving potential traffic wardens a chance to demonstrate their basic observation skills. Shortlisted applicants will then go through to the elimination round where they will be coached by some of the country's top traffic wardens before presenting a display of formation parking meter reading. A public vote will decide who gets through to the final, in which three successful candidates will be chosen to write parking tickets for the Queen at this year's Royal Variety Show.

"We're looking for originality, flair and the dedication that sets them apart from the rest of the pack," Mr Cyborg told us. "And if they happen to have a tragic backstory, then obviously that's a bonus."